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Friday, February 26, 2010

One of our many alter egos, the hot dog, errr, the Dachshund sausage has been roasted all over the news this week. So today, a cold and blustery Friday, February 26, 2010, we bring you our first ever Hot Dog News Roundup. Hungry?

Kicking things off, The American Academy of Pediatrics has recommended that hot dogs be redesigned to make them, well, less sausage-shaped. This is because they account for around 17% of the food-related choking deaths of up to 77 children, and the emergency treatment of 15,000, in the United States every year.

"If you were to take the best engineers in the world and try to design the perfect plug for a child's airway, it would be a hot dog," Gary Smith, director of the Center for Injury Research and Policy at the Nationwide Children's Hospital in Columbus, Ohio, told USA Today. Source.

We're just hoping that no one wants to "redesign" us Dachshunds. We're perfect just the way we are. Except for those troubling back issues.

Meanwhile, in Kansas City, Missouri, a Kansas man is suing the Kansas City Royals after their team mascot, Sluggerrr, seen here, threw a hot dog into the crowd last September, which struck the man's left eye, detaching his retina and causing cataracts. Court records said the man has since undergone two surgeries and has suffered permanent vision impairment in his left eye. Ouch. Source.

And finally, in the "world's oldest wiener' department, Feltmans Restaurant on New York's Coney Island was set to be demolished, when "archaeologists" said they found an ancient hot dog encased in ice under the building. They also said they "found" an original receipt in the block of ice. Turns out it was a hoax, but CNN and other news stations believed it, as seen by this priceless video evidence (CNN has removed the video from its site). Watch it quick before "the man" takes it down.
Note: 140-years-old or not, we would still eat that hot dog.

Sidewalk Mushing: Charles Gates and his 10-year-old miniature Dachshund, 'Chipper,' go for a walk together Thursday afternoon along Georgetown Drive near their home in northwest Loveland, Colorado. Gates said he likes to take Chipper for walks when it isn’t too cold out and joked, “He pulls me along like a sled dog.” Source: Reporter-Herald/Steve Stoner

Thursday, February 25, 2010

Meet our newest hero, 3-year-old red smooth 'JoJo,' his human, Eleven-year old Kalen Huntley, and the rest of the Huntley family who hail from Kennewick, Washington. An electrical fire was smoldering behind an outlet in Kalen's bedroom, and JoJo did everything he could to alert the family - even trying to shove Kalen out of her bed! Excerpt from The Tri-City Herald:

The couple and three of the kids were home when the outlet in Kalen's room apparently started overheating around 1 a.m. Sunday.

Kalen was asleep in her room with JoJo, who usually sleeps with Kalen until her parents go to bed, Diane Urquhart said.

That night, however, JoJo kept coming out of Kalen's room to bug the adults, but they couldn't figure out what he wanted. He had been fed and had already gone outside, Urquhart said.

"He came out to see us four times, then kept going back into our daughter's room," she said.

Urquhart said JoJo's ears usually tell his story -- if he's happy, hungry or done something wrong. But this time was different.

"These ears we did not recognize," she said. "And his face, if a dog can look worried, he looked worried."

Urquhart heard Kalen stirring and decided to see what was going on, and when she walked in her room she could smell an extremely strong burning rubber smell and saw JoJo on Kalen's bed.

"He had his heinie against the wall and was shoving his nose against her side trying to wake her up and shove her out of the bed," Urquhart said.

Firefighters told the family the outlet, which had a lamp and alarm clock plugged into it, was minutes away from catching fire, Urquhart said.

The Urquharts saved JoJo when he was a puppy and was found drifting in the water at Two Rivers Park, and now "he saved us," Urquhart said.

Call 911 in Hall County, Georgia, and you never know - smooth black and tan 'Holly' might just answer the phone - or at least she might be on the lap of the 911 operator. Holly had spent months at the county animal shelter being nursed back to health after being rescued from an animal cruelty case - pregnant, and malnourished, with her hair falling out. Hall County Public Safety Director Marty Nix had intended on fostering her at the 911 Center, but of course Holly soon found a permanent home there. Excerpt from The Gainesville Times:

“She really likes it here,” Nix said. “She brings a lot of joy to the people here.”

There are employees working at the 911 center 24 hours a day, and Holly enjoys making her rounds through the different offices to welcome workers at the beginning of each shift.“We have people buying her different treats and toys,” Nix said. “It’s hilarious.”But Holly isn’t the only one who has benefitted from the new arrangement.Sandra Clark, quality assurance coordinator with Emergency Medical Dispatch, said she has especially enjoyed having Holly around the office. She has bought her little outfits and toys and takes her to the Laurel Park dog park to play with other dogs.“She’s the joy of dispatch,” Clark said. “She’s just done wonders for this place."

Wednesday, February 24, 2010

In an effort to deliver balanced Dachshund news, meet the other players in the troubling story of 'Spork,' the Colorado red smooth who bit a vet tech, and is now facing an uncertain future at the hands of the city of Lafayette. The veterinary technician, Allyson Stone, as seen from a video capture above,was bitten by Spork and has suffered greatly. Spork bit off one inch of her upper lip, and one inch of her lower lip. In regards to pressing charges, according to the police report, the vet tech states that: she is fearful that Spork will bite someone, possibly his owner, in the future, and that she does not want anyone else to suffer and wanted to try to prevent another attack. Watch the video at CBS4.

Jasper Animal Hospital has received threatening calls, including a death threat, as a result of this incident. According to The Daily Camera,Jasper chief veterinarian and founder Donald Dodge, in a written statement, said the hospital routinely notifies animal control in dog bite cases. Dodge said that he supported Stone pressing charges because a record is needed when an animal causes serious injury to a person in case of future incidents. "Jasper Animal Hospital has not advocated for, or participated in any way, in subsequent decisions by the city of Lafayette to prosecute Spark's guardians," he said in a statement. "We remain very worried about everyone concerned -- the dog, his guardians and the injured technician. We consider this incident a tragedy, and we sincerely wish the best for everyone concerned, Spork in particular."

In May of 2006, the city of Lafayette, Colorado, enacted a vicious dog law which trumps state law, that describes a vicious animal as one that attacks or bites without being provoked, approaches someone in a terrorizing way or has been trained as a fighting animal. An animal's fate is up to a municipal judge who decides whether the animal must be removed from the city or destroyed, or if it can stay with certain provisions.Source.

The Animal Law Center, based out of Wheat Ridge, Colorado, has released a statement on behalf of their clients, Spork's humans, Tim and Kelly Walker, in response to the statement made by Dr. Donald Dodge, on behalf of himself and Jasper Animal Hospital yesterday. Here's an excerpt:

At no time have the Walkers ever sought to undermine Jasper Animal Hospital or the hospital’s devotion to the welfare of animals and their guardians. In fact, it was the outstanding reputation of the clinic that drew them to it in the first place.

While the Walkers are perplexed by the City of Lafayette’s aggressive pursuit of the charges against them, they are also distressed by the veterinary technician’s desire to further this case. While they have been very upset and concerned about the injuries suffered by the tech, the Walkers are surprised that a trained veterinary professional would put an animal in her care in this position.

These are some of the faces of the many dogs who have stepped up to support 'Spork' on his facebook page: Save Spork! Clearly, Spork could not ask for a better contingent of allies. Read about Spork in the post immediately below this.
Above, while 'Wheeze' gives her unbridled support of Spork, she apparently wants to remind folks of their priorities at home.

Duchess & Lady have "Saddled up" in support of Saving Spork!

This red smooth named 'Cinnamon' is spitting mad about the whole affair, but really isn't helping the cause much by displaying her emotions in such an unladylike manner.

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

If you're looking for a new place to call home - stay away from Lafayette, Colorado, where 10-year-old Dachshund 'Spork' bit a vet tech who approached his face with scissors, and now he is fighting for his life after the city has labeled him a "vicious dog!" Excerpt from The Denver Channel:

In August, Spork's humans, Kelly and Tim Walker, said Spork bit a veterinary technician during an exam at Jasper Animal Hospital in Lafayette. As a result of the attack, the Walker’s said both the vet tech who was bit and the veterinarian of the animal hospital filed reports with animal control.If the Walker’s are found guilty of owning a vicious dog Spork could be euthanized or kenneled.“I went to that vet thinking they were trained to take care of my dog properly,” said Kelly.According to state law in Colorado, a dog owner is not liable for a dog bite if the person bitten is a vet, groomer or anyone who works closely with animals.But city of Lafayette is asserting home-rule exception, which means they do not have to follow state law.

Crikey, what a mess. Read more and see another video at The Denver Channel, and become a fan of Spork on his facebook page: Save Spork! The case is scheduled to go to court in April.

Movie buffs may be interested to know that the previously titled Dachshund race film Wiener Dog Nationals, which is currently in production, has been renamed One Lucky Dog. This is a little promo of sorts. Find out more: Wiener Dog Nationals, The Movie. It doesn't look like there is an official site for the movie at the moment; the previous site was taken down.

Thanks to our pal 'Michael-Dawg' for sending in the link to this photo as it appeared on EpiCute, the cute food blog. We love tomatoes! - in moderation of course. As a member of the nightshade family tomatoes may aggravate arthritis and allergies. The tomato plant itself may be toxic to dogs.

Monday, February 22, 2010

The apple doesn't fall from the tree, as they say. We'd be remiss if we didn't post this new video of our dad's only nephew, Josh, singing a song he wrote about his Dachshund, our country cousin, red piebald 'Rudy!' Sweet!
Keep up with Josh and his band Maybe Later at MySpace. Liven up yourself!

Saturday night saw the seizure of over 50 dogs from a suspected puppy mill in Lawrence County, Tennessee. While charges have not yet been pressed against the kennel owner, volunteer veterinarians who examined the dogs have noted that they were not fed properly, and many dogs are suffering from skin conditions, and teeth and gum infections. There is also one downed smooth chocolate who needs surgery for IVDD. "We're looking for good adopters, donations of any kind. We do need help" says Jessica Smith, a member of the county's animal welfare league. Read all about it News Channel 5.

Meet handsome 4-year-old longhair 'Brentley,' who hails from Cary, North Carolina. Brentley began suffering seizures last year, and is now taking part in a nationwide study at N.C. State's College of Veterinary Medicine to determine the effectiveness of a new drug to treat the common neurological disorder. Excerpt from the News Observer:

Dachshunds are among the breeds most likely to have the chronic neurological condition, which is characterized by recurring seizures.

Only one anticonvulsant drug, primidone, is approved for treating the disorder in dogs. . The other option, phenobarbitol, works well for humans, but it isn't approved for dogs. Either drug can cause excessive drowsiness, lack of coordination and, in some instances, toxicity to the liver.

A veterinary pharmaceutical company that the study's administrators declined to name is sponsoring the clinical trial on a new, unnamed dog epilepsy drug, hoping for approval from the Food and Drug Administration.

"This drug has been tested before," said Karen Muñana, a veterinary neurologist at N. C. State and investigator in the trial. "But we still don't know how safe it is in dogs with epilepsy, or really how effective it is."

Several hundred dogs have been enrolled in 30 centers nationwide since the trial began two years ago.

We're so proud of Brentley for taking the lead to fight this disease. Read more at the News Observer.

Friday, February 19, 2010

This is just another good reason to take your dogs on a long walk every day - you never know if they might end up in a major film! Meet 'Hamish' (foreground), and 'Rosie,' and their human Jill Kellie, who hail from Newmarket, Ontario, Canada. While on the way to the dry cleaners on Tuesday, they were stopped by filmmakers working on the upcoming film Dream House, starring Daniel Craig and Naomi Watts. Excerpt from York Region:

Before she reached the dry cleaners, the Newmarket resident heard someone call after her."All I heard was someone yell, 'Get that woman with the dogs,'" she said. "I thought they were yelling at me because I ruined the shoot. I was expecting them to ask me to move."But instead, film crews asked Mrs. Kellie to stay and asked the two tiny dogs to attack.Film crews wanted to catch the dachshunds going after a large Doberman pinscher."Bickering with another dog is no problem for them," Mrs. Kellie said. "(Rosie and Hamish are) totally into that. They think they're great Danes."For a little more than an hour, Rosie and Hamish attacked and re-attacked the large dog. "It was about four or five takes. They were very patient waiting for the director to yell, 'Action," Mrs. Kellie said. "They knew exactly what to do. They did the same thing every time and never got bored. They're a bit exhausted today."

Meet 'Cher' and her 4 new puppies. The day-old pups were found in a trash can in Georgetown County, South Carolina, and after Cher's human, Charlotte Troy, heard about it, she offered up Cher's services, having just had a litter of pups herself about 8 weeks earlier. According to Carolina Live:

They were alive, but they didn't have a birth mother. Troy had an idea. She would see if her Dachshund, Cher, would accept them as her own."You don't know if they're going to accept them or not," Troy said, but when Cher met the pups, "She took care of them. She stimulated them. Cleaned their umbilical cords. Nursed them. And now she's the mother of these puppies."Troy thinks the puppies are a shepherd/lab mix, and they'll outgrow Cher soon, but for now, they're nursing and doing well.Troy is looking for someone to adopt the puppies when they're of age, and she's also accepting donations for veterinary costs.

Meet 'Emma.' She is seen here performing in front of 500 elementary school students yesterday in Southaven, Tennessee, as part of a program to encourage the students to read and write. Emma works with her Dachshund siblings 'Spike,' 'Tatum,' and 'Daphne,' as well as her human, David Sargent Jr., author of 41 children's books.

Tatum is the smallest and can master the teeter-totter. Daphne can run through a tunnel and jump through a hoop. Emma sings. Spike does a little dance.

They travel year round in the school year to promote their good message and entertain the crowds. What a great crew! Read all about them and see a pic of Daphne at The Commercial Appeal.

February is Pet Dental Health Month, and Dachshunds are in the top breeds of dogs to suffer from periodontal disease according to new data released by Banfield Pet Hospitals. That's a list we DON'T want to be on! Excerpt from dvm360:

The breeds at greatest risk for developing periodontal disease include Toy Poodle, Yorkshire Terrier, Maltese, Papillion, Standard Poodle, Pomeranian, Shetland Sheepdog, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Dachshund and Havanese. Data from the survey was generated from a case-control study conducted by Banfield and included 50,000 animals with periodontal disease and 200,000 control animals. Even more insidious, Klausner says, is the relationship between periodontal disease and other illnesses.In fact, these data corroborate a very strong link between the presence of periodontal disease and heart disease.“The worse the periodontal disease was, the stronger the link between endocarditis and cardiomyopathy,” Klausner adds.

Read all the troubling stats at dvm360. Time to make that appointment.

Wednesday, February 17, 2010

Thanks so much to Allison Schubert for sending in these amazing photos of her pack: 'Albert,' 'Whitney,' and 'Puddles!' And you won't want to miss the awesome story of Albert finding his long-lost sister! So, without any further ado:

Dear Joey and Maggie,

I am a seven year old black and tan long hair doxie named AlbertEinstein (and yes, I am just as smart). My mom insisted that I sendyou some photos of our family because she loves your blog and reads iteveryday aaaand because she's a doxieographer wannabe (hehe, thatkills me). Anyway, we have a new addition in our family, Whitney. Imay not be fond of the girl but she has a great story to share.Mom had no intention of getting another dachshund since there is meand the little demon doxie she brought home last year. Well, shestumbled across a black and tan long hair female that happened to lookjust like me. Upon further investigating (I hate it when she doesthat) it was discovered the girl was my long lost sister. You see mysister had been used for breeding for the past seven years and wasbeing retired. Mom felt it necessary to have Whitney live with us soshe went and got her that night. She wanted her to know what it waslike to be loved and feel dignity and all that hoopla. The first weekWhitney was home she had an extensive dental and lost six teeth. Thenthe next week mom found a mammory tumor and back to the vet she wentfor more surgery. However, the tumor was benign. Whitney has been withus since August and she did come with issues but she is adjustingwell. She has learned to go up and down the porch steps, the hair onher tail has grown out, she loves to be on the couch now (but I don’tlike it). I saw mom cry too the first time Whitney gave mom a kiss andcrawled in her lap. She is still afraid of a multitude of thingsthough like the sink faucet, kids, being held or brushed. But, she’smy sister and we will help her through.

It's with a heavy heart that we report the passing of 'Paco Sosa,' Manhattan's oldest dog. Via PR Newswire:

NEW YORK, Feb. 16 /PRNewswire/ -- Paco Sosa, a dachshund who turned 20 last September, and whose strong spirit had cheated death several times in recent years, passed away on February 12.According to his companion, filmmaker Bernadine Santistavan, Paco acknowledged his readiness to depart, and reassured her it was time to let him go.For Dr. Thalia Goldberg at Park East Animal Hospital, Paco had a "special soul." Yet stories of animals communicating with their human companions aren't rare. Today's growing awareness of animal psychology has meant a greater ability to read their clues, narrowing the human/animal conversation divide.In pursuing a greater closeness with -- and understanding of -- Paco, Bernadine was encouraged by the Pueblo Indians of northern New Mexico. "They view animals, and in particular the wolf, as great teachers," she noted, adding, "Paco was a wolf in dachshund clothing."An early lesson Bernadine learned was that of conquering irresponsibility, by taking care of the young pooch. Patience and dedication are other virtues she thanks Paco for. On average, she devoted four hours a day to meet the special needs of her aging dog, including dispensing medication, cooking special foods, massaging his arthritic body and, Paco's favorite activity, walking in Central Park--once a 30-minute task now requiring two hours. Paco gifted her with many other important lessons in his golden years, among them, compassion for the elderly, selflessness and unconditional love.Listening marks yet another hard won wisdom for the caretaker. This past year, each time Paco had a seizure, he "came back with a new way of talking to me, so I needed to be very present to re-learn what he was communicating," she said.But perhaps the dachshund's greatest teachings were the importance of living and dying with dignity – and that "all life is precious," per Bernadine.Paco's departure will be mourned by many New Yorkers. "People of all backgrounds, from the homeless to Upper East Side society, would stop Paco on the street every day and literally bless him," recalled the New Mexican-turned-Manhattanite. Paco Sosa departed peacefully in the company of Bernadine and her partner in dog care, Horacio Sosa. As a farewell gift, Bernadine sang him his favorite song, Hound Dog, after which both loving "parents" kept their promise not to shed one tear as Paco Sosa drew his last breath.

Tuesday, February 16, 2010

"Woof." Judges rate this the best feature picture of 1937. It won first prize in that division at the Press Photographers' association exhibit in New York. It is a "spot" news picture of a judge in action at a Madison Square Garden dog show. Its show title is "Judging Dachshund." Source: Chicago Daily Tribune; Jan 30, 1938. Photo: Joey and Maggie's personal collection.

The original text on the back of the photo read:

CANDID CAMERA SIDELIGHTS OF WESTMINSTER DOG SHOW

NEW YORK CITY - On Feb 10, 11, and 12 thousands of dog lovers jammed into Madison Square Garden to witness the sixty-first annual exhibition of the Westminster Kennel Club. The 3,144 dogs entered, representing 96 breeds from all parts of the world set a record. The Wide World Service has already brought you general views of the show and its champions. In this set of pictures, made by a staff photographer working with a candid camera, Wide World now brings you some of the scenes visitors saw in the judging ring and at the benches of the blue ribbon event of the canine world.

A dignified Englishman takes his judging seriously, getting down on his hands and knees to evaluate a Dachshund, one of the most popular breeds in the show.

Congratulations to the Whippet, 2-year-old Ch Starline's 'Chanel,' for taking the Hound Group at the 2010 Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. It looked as though wirehair Dachshund Ch Gleneagle's Who's Famous Now had a great chance at taking the spot after making the initial cut and being THE crowd favorite, but ultimately the crown went to the Whippet, followed by the Greyhound, Scottish Deerhound bitch Ch. Foxcliffe Hickory Wind, and the seven-year-old Australian-imported PBGV dog Ch. Rokeena Carte Blanche.

Just wait 'til next year!

Westminster 2010 continues through today:

NIGHT 2:
Tuesday, February 16
Sporting, Working and Terrier Groups, Best In Show
8-11 p.m. (ET) live on USA Network

'Fraiser,' a 2-year-old Dachshund, is groomed backstage during the 134th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, Monday, Feb. 15, 2010 in New York. There are 2,500 dogs competing at Madison Square Garden for the coveted title of Best In Show. Source

Grab a warm seat on the couch, dog show fans - the 2010 Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show is here! We know who we're rooting for, but odds are pretty good that 'Sadie,' the Scottish Terrier who was out of the running last year after a potty incident will take the show. Meanwhile, we'll keep rooting for the underdog - that loveable Dachshund - because you just never know what dog will be "on" today. Go Dachsies!

Thanks to our pals 'Bogie' and 'Monty' for sending in the schedule from Westminster.org:

USA Network and CNBC will be home to The Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show presented by Pedigree®, for the 27th consecutive year in 2010. USA Network and CNBC airs exclusive live coverage from Madison Square Garden on Monday, February 15, and USA Network airs exclusive live coverage on Tuesday, February 16.

NIGHT 2:
Tuesday, February 16
Sporting, Working and Terrier Groups, Best In Show
8-11 p.m. (ET) live on USA Network

Breed judging highlight videos are available throughout the day on Monday and Tuesday on the Westminster Web site. These highlights will be available after the show, as well.

To our West Coast viewers: Please note that the West Coast telecast is delayed for your time zone. Since results are posted to our Web site as they occur live, if you want to enjoy the drama of the moment, please avoid the Westminster Web site after 5 p.m. Pacific Time on each evening.

The New Yorker goes to the dogs for Westminster - thanks to our pal 'Clancy' for sending in the cover art!

Meet 'Harley,' the red smooth Dachshund abondoned in Long Beach, California. He was found to be without the use of his hind legs, but thanks to some kind animal lovers and Med ID Services, who donated his cart, he's ready for adoption to a special home at Long Beach Animal Care Services. Read more about him and see a great pic of his handomse mug at Long Beach Report.

We're so excited. We've won some great blogging awards from dear friends in the past, but we were especially excited to be included in this list. Moira McLaughlin, who founded the fascinating blog Dog Art Today, was asked by TypePad blogging service to contribute her list of the Top 10 Dog Art Blogs, and we were included! To say that we are honored is a bit of an understatement. She notes:

The Long and Short of it All: A Dachshund Dog News Magazine: Carson Bording's astoundingly comprehensive blog dedicated to the Dachshund breed. I especially love the vintage photos of famous Dachshund owners and the images of Dachshunds in advertisements throughout past decades.

Friday, February 12, 2010

Thanks so much to David B for sending in some action shots of his crew, 'Polamalu' and 'Harley,' enjoying some unusual snowfall in Dallas-Fort Worth! He writes:

Hi there Joey and Maggie!

Here is 12-month-old Polamalu and his rescued 11-month-old half doxie/beagle mix sister Harley enjoying a very rare massive snow fall (8 in) in DFW Texas! They are both avid readers of The Long and Short of it All and we wanted to share their day with y'all. Enjoy!

This might be just what the Love Dachtor ordered for this Valentine's Day. Thanks so much to Melissa Hawkins, our roving Dachshund reporter, for sending in the pics! She notes: I saw some Dachshund stuffed animals at Walgreens and Kmart. I'm pretty sure they are doxies because of the length...but the markings are odd as they are made in China.

Beacuse you need more Dachshund stuff. Via Random Good Stuff:A small investment will give you a lot of peace – so much joy, so much fun! Shoot, can’t figure out if it’s just for indoors or not. Oh well, at least guests are not going to stay for a long time.

Available at Collections Etc for just $14.99: Greet guests with this motion-activated “pup for all seasons.” Motion sensor detects when visitors approach and activate the dog’s bark. Complete 9-pc. set comes with 3 seasonal double sided welcome signs and wardrobe of 5 holiday hats. Polyresin. Requires 2 “AA” batteries.

Thursday, February 11, 2010

Thanks so much to Melissa Hawkins for writing in with great pics of the newest addition to her pack - 'Milla!' Congrats! She writes:

Meet our newest family member "Milla"! She is 9 weeks old and loves to play fight with hersister Pepper and brother Scooby.She looks pretty ruthless, but she is really a lover....especially with her little heart marking on her neck. : )

Favorite Love Stories From The Archives

The Long and Short of Dachshunds in Popular Culture

FALL AND WINTER FASHION FOR DACHSHUNDISTS

Put a Dachshund in your lap, turn up the volume, and select the full screen button at bottom right corner of video to view full size.

Speak!

Talk to Bette and Rowdy about it

(Your hosts, Bette and Rowdy)

Do you know a special dachshund? Wait..., they're all special! Submit a dachshund news story and tell us all about it. We're always looking for fun dachshund news, stories, art, history, trivia, or articles. The only requirement really is a nice photo, video, or image to go along with it. Send it on to your hosts, Bette and Rowdy. Or just drop a line to say 'Woof!' We apologize that we can't always get back to everyone for every wonderful piece submitted.